Can You Be a Full-Time Missionary?

The role of a full-time missionary has existed for centuries, with many religious organizations and churches supporting individuals who wish to dedicate their lives to spreading their faith, providing humanitarian aid, and engaging in community service. If you’re passionate about making a difference in the world, becoming a full-time missionary could be a fulfilling career path.

What Does Being a Full-Time Missionary Entail?

Full-time missionaries often travel to various locations, frequently in different countries, to spread their faith, provide humanitarian aid, and engage in community service. This involves:

Travelling to various locations often in different countries Spreading faith and beliefs Providing humanitarian aid such as food, medical care, and education Engaging in community service projects

Individual requirements and expectations can vary significantly depending on the organization and the mission focus. Some missionaries undergo rigorous training, while others may need to raise funds or receive support from their religious community to cover living expenses while they are in the field.

Researching Missionary Organizations

There are numerous missions agencies that accept full-time missionaries, including the Southern Baptist International Missions Board, North American Missions Boards, The Evangelical Alliance Mission, Sudan Interior Missions Agency, and the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism. These organizations can vary in how they fund their missionaries; SBC missionaries are largely paid staff, while others require their missionaries to recruit support from denominational churches and private individuals.

Personal Experiences and Considerations

As a personal experience, I spent a summer in Brazil in 1991 with full-time missionaries who were dedicated to their work. It’s important to note that there is no part-time Christianity. Every Christian work in the true sense is full time.

However, if you are considering working as a missionary without being in any other gainful employment, you will need to seek avenues of receiving income to support you and your ministry. Most missionaries are supported by their home church or mission organizations. Only a few missionaries are self-supported, and it’s not recommended. It requires extensive planning and funding to ensure you can maintain your mission without jeopardizing your well-being.

It’s crucial to research different organizations and their missions, understand the commitment involved, and reflect on your personal goals and motivations. A well-prepared and informed approach is essential for a successful and fulfilling missionary career.